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Crispy Juicy Beer Can Chicken Recipe Perfect for Easy Grilling

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This recipe delivers the crispiest, juiciest chicken on the grill using a beer can to steam the meat from the inside while crisping the skin outside. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for summer cookouts.

Ingredients

  • Whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds / 1.8-2.3 kg), fresh or thawed, patted dry
  • Beer (12 oz / 355 ml can), lager or pale ale recommended
  • Olive oil or melted butter (2 tablespoons)
  • Brown sugar (2 tablespoons)
  • Paprika (1 tablespoon), smoked paprika preferred
  • Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Salt (1 tablespoon), kosher or sea salt
  • Black pepper (1 teaspoon), freshly ground
  • Cayenne pepper (optional, 1/2 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill for indirect heat at medium (about 350°F / 175°C). If using charcoal, bank the coals to one side. This usually takes 15-20 minutes.
  2. Remove giblets from the chicken and pat dry both inside and out with paper towels to help the skin crisp up.
  3. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  4. Rub olive oil or melted butter all over the chicken. Then sprinkle the dry rub evenly, rubbing it into the skin and inside the cavity.
  5. Open the beer can and pour out or drink about half, leaving about 6 oz (180 ml) to steam the chicken.
  6. Place the chicken cavity over the beer can so it sits upright. Use a holder if available or carefully balance it on the grill.
  7. Place the chicken upright on the grill away from direct flames. Close the lid and cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Check temperature after 1 hour.
  8. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone. Target temperature is 165°F (74°C).
  9. Carefully remove the chicken from the grill using gloves and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Dry the chicken well to ensure crispy skin. Use indirect heat to avoid burning. Rest the chicken after cooking to lock in juices. If skin isn’t crispy enough, briefly move chicken over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer for best results. Avoid beer cans with plastic linings.

Nutrition

Keywords: beer can chicken, grilled chicken, crispy chicken, juicy chicken, summer cookout, backyard grilling, easy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/crispy-juicy-beer-can-chicken-recipe-perfect-for-easy-grilling/